Abstract:

Wood-type golf club heads include: (a) a club head body member defining an
interior chamber; (b) a weight system engaged with a rear perimeter
portion of the club head body member; and (c) a connection system
connecting the weight system with the club head body (e.g., with the rear
of the ball striking face portion). The club heads further may include
one or more damping members in the interior chamber to alter the sound
and/or otherwise attenuate a vibrational response of the club head. The
damping members may extend between the ball striking face and the weight
system, and optionally may engage the connection system. The damping
member(s) may constitute a foam material compressed within the interior
chamber of the club head. Methods of making such golf club head
structures also are described.

Claims:

1. A wood-type golf club head, comprising:a club head body member defining
an interior chamber, the club head body member including a ball striking
face portion, a crown portion, and a sole portion;a weight system engaged
with the club head body member and provided at a perimeter portion of the
club head body member at a location rearward of the ball striking face
portion; anda connection system extending from or through the weight
system in a direction toward and at least partially through the interior
chamber and toward the ball striking face portion of the club head body
member.

2. (canceled)

3. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the club head
body member includes a ball striking face member and a separate crown
member, wherein the ball striking face member forms at least part of the
ball striking face portion and the crown member forms at least part of
the crown portion, wherein the crown member is engaged with the ball
striking face member.

4. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the club head
body member includes a ball striking face member and a separate crown
member, wherein the ball striking face member forms at least part of the
ball striking face portion and the crown member forms at least part of
the crown portion, wherein the crown member is engaged with the weight
system.

5. (canceled)

6. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the club head
body member includes a ball striking face member, a separate crown
member, and a separate sole member.

7-9. (canceled)

10. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the club head
body member includes a ball striking face member and an aft body member,
wherein the ball striking face member forms at least part of the ball
striking face portion and the aft body member forms at least part of the
crown portion and the sole portion.

11-12. (canceled)

13. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 1, further comprising:a
damping member at least partially located within the interior chamber and
extending between the ball striking face portion and the weight system.

14. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 13, wherein the damping
member is engaged with the connection system.

15. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 13, wherein the damping
member attenuates at least some vibration resulting from contact between
a golf ball and the ball striking face portion.

16. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the
connection system includes a first connection element extending through
the interior chamber and engaging the weight system with the ball
striking face portion and a second connection element extending through
the interior chamber and engaging the weight system with the ball
striking face portion.

17. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 16, further comprising:a
damping member at least partially located within the interior chamber and
extending between the ball striking face portion and the weight system.

18. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 17, wherein the damping
member is engaged with the first connection element and the second
connection element.

19. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 17, wherein the damping
member is engaged with at least the first connection element.

20. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 16, further comprising:a
first damping member at least partially located within the interior
chamber and extending between the ball striking face portion and the
weight system; anda second damping member at least partially located
within the interior chamber and extending between the ball striking face
portion and the weight system.

21. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 20, wherein the first
damping member is engaged with the first connection element and the
second damping member is engaged with the second connection element.

22. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the weight
system includes a first weight element and a second weight element
separate from the first weight element.

23. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 22, wherein the
connection system includes a first connection element extending through
the interior chamber and engaging the first weight element with the ball
striking face portion and a second connection element extending through
the interior chamber and engaging the second weight element with the ball
striking face portion.

24. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 23, further comprising:a
damping member at least partially located within the interior chamber and
extending between the ball striking face portion and at least the first
weight element.

25. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 24, wherein the damping
member is engaged with the first connection element and the second
connection element.

26. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 24, wherein the damping
member is engaged with at least the first connection element.

27. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 22, further comprising:a
first damping member at least partially located within the interior
chamber and extending between the ball striking face portion and the
first weight element; anda second damping member at least partially
located within the interior chamber and extending between the ball
striking face portion and the second weight element.

28-29. (canceled)

30. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the club head
body member is a hybrid club structure.

31. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the club head
body member is a fairway wood club structure.

32. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the club head
body member is a driver structure.

33. A wood-type golf club head, comprising:a face member including a ball
striking face, wherein an interior portion of the face member includes at
least a portion of a fastener system;a body member engaged with the face
member, wherein the body member includes at least a crown portion;a
weight system provided along at least some part of a rear perimeter
portion of the golf club head; anda connection system extending from or
through the weight system to the face member, the connection system
engaging the fastener system.

34-37. (canceled)

38. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 33, wherein the face
member and the body member at least in part define an interior chamber,
wherein the golf club head further includes a damping element provided at
least partially within the interior chamber.

39. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 38, wherein the damping
element engages at least one of the connection system or the fastener
system.

40. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 33, wherein the fastener
system includes a first fastener element and a second fastener element,
and wherein the connection system includes a first connection element
engaging the first fastener element and a second connection element
engaging the second fastener element.

41. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 40, wherein the face
member and the body member at least in part define an interior chamber,
wherein the golf club head further includes a damping element provided at
least partially within the interior chamber.

42. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 41, wherein the damping
element engages at least one of the first connection element or the first
fastener element.

43. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 41, wherein the face
member and the body member at least in part define an interior chamber,
wherein the golf club head further includes a first damping element
provided at least partially within the interior chamber and a second
damping element provided at least partially within the interior chamber.

44. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 43, wherein the first
damping element engages at least one of the first connection element or
the first fastener element and the second damping element engages at
least one of the second connection element or the second fastener
element.

45. (canceled)

46. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 33, wherein the club
head body member is a hybrid club structure.

47. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 33, wherein the club
head body member is a fairway wood club structure.

48. A wood-type golf club head according to claim 33, wherein the club
head body member is a driver structure.

49. A wood-type golf club, comprising:a wood-type golf club head
including:a club head body member defining an interior chamber, the club
head body member including a ball striking face portion, a crown portion,
and a sole portion,a weight system engaged with the club head body member
and provided at a perimeter portion of the club head body member at a
location rearward of the ball striking face portion, anda connection
system extending from or through the weight system in a direction toward
and at least partially through the interior chamber and toward the ball
striking face portion of the club head body member; anda shaft member
engaged with the golf club head.

50-71. (canceled)

72. A wood-type golf club, comprising:a golf club head including:a face
member including a ball striking face, wherein an interior portion of the
face member includes at least a portion of a fastener system,a body
member engaged with the face member, wherein the body member includes at
least a crown portion,a weight system provided along at least some part
of a rear perimeter portion of the golf club head, anda connection system
extending from or through the weight system to the face member, the
connection system engaging the fastener system; anda shaft member engaged
with the golf club head.

73-85. (canceled)

86. A method of assembling a wood-type golf club head,
comprising:providing a wood-type golf club head body member including a
ball striking face portion, a crown portion, and a sole portion, wherein
the club head body member, at least in part, defines an interior chamber;
andengaging a weight system with a perimeter portion of the club head
body member at a location rearward of the ball striking face portion,
wherein the weight system is engaged with the club head body member via a
connection system that extends from or through the weight system in a
direction toward and at least partially through the interior chamber and
toward the ball striking face portion.

87-100. (canceled)

101. A method of assembling a wood-type golf club, comprising:providing a
wood-type golf club head body member including a ball striking face
portion, a crown portion, a sole portion, and a weight system, wherein
the club head body member, at least in part, defines an interior chamber,
wherein the weight system is engaged with a perimeter portion of the club
head body member at a location rearward of the ball striking face
portion, and wherein the weight system is engaged with the club head body
member via a connection system that extends from or through the weight
system in a direction toward and at least partially through the interior
chamber and toward the ball striking face portion; andengaging a shaft
member with the golf club head body member.

102-116. (canceled)

Description:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]This invention relates generally to golf clubs and golf club heads,
including "wood-type" golf clubs and golf club heads, e.g., for drivers,
fairway woods, "wood-type" hybrid or utility clubs, or the like.
Additional aspects of this invention relate to methods for making such
golf club heads that include extreme rearward and/or low weighting
characteristics.

BACKGROUND

[0002]Golf is enjoyed by a wide variety of players--players of different
genders and dramatically different ages and/or skill levels. Golf is
somewhat unique in the sporting world in that such diverse collections of
players can play together in golf events, even in direct competition with
one another (e.g., using handicapped scoring, different tee boxes, in
team formats, etc.), and still enjoy the golf outing or competition.
These factors, together with the increased availability of golf
programming on television (e.g., golf tournaments, golf news, golf
history, and/or other golf programming) and the rise of well known golf
superstars, at least in part, have increased golf's popularity in recent
years, both in the United States and across the world.

[0003]Golfers at all skill levels seek to improve their performance, lower
their golf scores, and reach that next performance "level." Manufacturers
of all types of golf equipment have responded to these demands, and in
recent years, the industry has witnessed dramatic changes and
improvements in golf equipment. For example, a wide range of different
golf ball models now are available, with balls designed to complement
specific swing speeds and/or other player characteristics or preferences,
e.g., with some balls designed to fly farther and/or straighter; some
designed to provide higher or flatter trajectories; some designed to
provide more spin, control, and/or feel (particularly around the greens);
some designed for faster or slower swing speeds; etc. A host of swing
and/or teaching aids also are available on the market that promise to
help lower one's golf scores.

[0004]Being the sole instrument that sets a golf ball in motion during
play, golf clubs also have been the subject of much technological
research and advancement in recent years. For example, the market has
seen dramatic changes and improvements in putter designs, golf club head
designs, shafts, and grips in recent years. Additionally, other
technological advancements have been made in an effort to better match
the various elements and/or characteristics of the golf club and
characteristics of a golf ball to a particular user's swing features or
characteristics (e.g., club fitting technology, ball launch angle
measurement technology, ball spin rates, etc.).

[0005]Despite recent technological advances, "wood-type" golf clubs,
particularly the driver and long irons (e.g., 1-4 irons), can be very
difficult for some players to hit consistently well. Accordingly,
additional technological advances that improve a player's ability to get
a golf ball airborne; increase distance, direction, and/or control;
and/or otherwise improve the playability of wood-type golf clubs,
particularly the driver, would be welcome in the golf world.

SUMMARY

[0006]The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention
in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention and various
aspects of it. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention in any way, but it simply provides a general overview and
context for the more detailed description that follows.

[0007]In general, some example aspects of this invention relate to
wood-type golf clubs and/or golf club heads (such as drivers, fairway
woods, "wood-type" utility or hybrid clubs, and the like). Golf club
heads and golf clubs in accordance with at least some examples of this
invention include club head structures having: (a) a club head body
member defining an interior chamber, the club head body member including
a ball striking face portion, a crown portion, and a sole portion; (b) a
weight system engaged with the club head body member and provided at a
perimeter portion of the club head body member at a location rearward of
the ball striking face portion; and (c) a connection system extending
from or through the weight system in a direction toward and at least
partially through the interior chamber and toward the ball striking face
portion of the club head body member. In some examples, the connection
system will extend from or through the weight system and engage the
weight system with a rear surface of the ball striking face portion of
the club head body member.

[0008]At least some example club head structures in accordance with this
invention will include one or more damping members at least partially
located within the interior chamber defined by the club head body member.
The damping member(s) (which may alter the sound and/or otherwise
attenuate a vibrational response of the club head when a golf ball is
struck) may extend between the ball striking face portion and the weight
system. In at least some examples according to this invention, the
damping member(s), may constitute a foam material that is compressed
within the interior chamber of the club head body member (e.g., between
the weighting system and the rear surface of the ball striking face
portion). If desired, the weight system may directly engage the damping
member, e.g., it may be at least partially embedded in the damping
member, it may fit into a slot, groove, or chamber formed in the damping
member, it may extend at least partially around a periphery of the
damping member (e.g., along the sides and/or rear periphery, etc.), etc.
The weight system also may be located inside or outside the interior
chamber defined by the club head body.

[0009]Methods of making golf club head structures in accordance with at
least some examples of this invention may include, for example: (a)
providing a wood-type golf club head body member including a ball
striking face portion, a crown portion, and a sole portion, wherein the
club head body member, at least in part, defines an interior chamber; and
(b) engaging a weight system with a perimeter portion of the club head
body member at a location rearward of the ball striking face portion,
wherein the weight system is engaged with the club head body member via a
connection system that extends from or through the weight system in a
direction toward and at least partially through the interior chamber and
toward the ball striking face portion. If desired, in accordance with at
least some example structures according to this invention, a damping
member may be provided within the interior chamber defined by the club
head body member.

[0010]Such club head structures may be incorporated into an overall golf
club structure and/or used as a golf club in any desired manner,
including in conventional manners that are known and used in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]A more complete understanding of the present invention and certain
advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following detailed
description in consideration with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012]FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example golf club head structure
according to the invention;

[0013]FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate various steps and parts used in a method
of making a golf club head in accordance with this invention;

[0014]FIGS. 3 through 9 illustrate several variations on components and
structures that may be provided in golf club head structures in
accordance with this invention.

[0015]The reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarily
drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016]In the following description of various example structures in
accordance with the invention, reference is made to the accompanying
drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of
illustration various example golf club heads and golf club structures in
accordance with the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that
other specific arrangements of parts and structures may be utilized, and
structural and functional modifications may be made without departing
from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms "top,"
"bottom," "front," "back," "rear," "side," "underside," "overhead," and
the like may be used in this specification to describe various example
features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a
matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in
the figures and/or the orientations in typical use. Nothing in this
specification should be construed as requiring a specific three
dimensional or spatial orientation of structures in order to fall within
the scope of this invention.

A. General Description of Golf Club Heads and Golf Clubs According to
Examples of the Invention

[0017]In general, as described above, aspects of this invention relate to
wood-type golf club heads, golf clubs, and the like (such as drivers or
fairway woods, "wood-type" utility or hybrid clubs, and/or the like), as
well as to methods of making and using such clubs and club heads.
Wood-type golf club heads in accordance with at least some examples of
this invention include: (a) a club head body member defining an interior
chamber, the club head body member including a ball striking face
portion, a crown portion, and a sole portion; (b) a weight system engaged
with the club head body member and provided at a perimeter portion of the
club head body member at a location rearward of the ball striking face
portion; and (c) a connection system extending from or through the weight
system in a direction toward and at least partially through the interior
chamber and toward the ball striking face portion of the club head body
member. The weight system may comprise one or more separate weight
members that are engaged with the rear perimeter of the club head body
member, optionally with the exterior of the club head body member. In
some examples, the connection system will extend from or through the
weight system and engage the weight system with a rear surface of the
ball striking face portion of the club head body member.

[0018]At least some example club head structures in accordance with this
invention will include one or more damping members at least partially
located within the interior chamber defined by the club head body member.
The damping member(s) (which may alter the sound and/or otherwise
attenuate a vibrational response of the club head when a golf ball is
struck) may extend at least partially between the ball striking face
portion and the weight system. In at least some examples according to
this invention, the damping member(s) may constitute a foam or other
material that is compressed within the interior chamber of the club head
body member (e.g., between the weighting system and the rear surface of
the ball striking face portion). The damping member(s) also may be
engaged with at least some portion of the connection system (e.g., one or
more bolts or other mechanical fastener elements forming at least part of
the securing system may extend through an opening provided in the damping
member(s)).

[0019]The club head body member may take on a variety of different forms,
shapes, and/or sizes without departing from this invention. For example,
the club head may be made of a one piece construction or from a
multi-piece construction. Multi-piece constructions also may take on a
variety of different forms without departing from this invention,
including, for example, multi-piece constructions that include one or
more of the following: a ball striking face member (optionally with a
ball striking plate integrally formed with a face element (such as a cup
face member)); a crown member (e.g., made from a lightweight material,
such as carbon fiber or other composite materials, basalt fiber
reinforced materials, etc.); a sole member; a sole plate (e.g., made from
a durable and/or a relatively dense material (as compared to the crown
member), such as a metal material like titanium, steel, aluminum, or
other metals or alloys); an aft body member (e.g., including at least
some portions of a crown portion, a ribbon portion or other body portion,
and/or a sole portion); a ribbon member; etc.

[0020]Golf club heads in accordance with examples of this invention may
include still additional features, if desired, including features that
are known and used in the art. For example, the weighting system may be
permanently mounted to the club head body member, e.g., on an interior or
exterior of the club head body, extending from the exterior to the
interior of the club head body (e.g., through a weight port), etc. As yet
additional examples, if desired, the weighting system may include weight
member(s) that are movably and/or removably mounted with respect to the
club head body member, e.g., using structures and techniques that are
known and used in the art (e.g., by screw or other mechanical connector
attachments, by sliding attachments, etc.). Advantageously, in accordance
with at least some examples of this invention, the weighting system will
include weight members located at or proximate to a rear of the club head
body member, optionally with weighting features provided toward the rear
toe, the rear heel, and/or the rear sole portions of the club head. If
desired, at least some portions of the weighting system may be
selectively movable and/or removable from the club head body member
and/or mountable in a variety of different positions and/or arrangements,
e.g., to allow customization, interchange, replacement, and/or
club-fitting (e.g., to provide a draw biased club, to provide a fade
biased club, to provide a high trajectory biased club, to provide a low
trajectory biased club, to provide a club to help compensate for
undesired ball flights or swing flaws (e.g., to help correct hooks,
slices, etc., to help get balls airborne, to help prevent ballooning ball
flights, etc.), to provide a club having a high moment of inertia (e.g.,
high Izz), etc.).

[0021]The club head body member may be made from a wide variety of
materials and parts without departing from this invention, including in
conventional ways, from conventional materials and parts, as are known
and used in the art. In some more specific examples, the club head base
member may be made from one or more of: metal materials (e.g., metal
alloys, such as alloys containing steel, titanium, magnesium, aluminum,
beryllium, etc.); composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber composites,
basalt fiber composites, etc., for a crown portion, a skirt portion, a
sole portion, an aft body portion, a ball striking face portion, etc.);
polymeric materials; etc.

[0022]Additional aspects of this invention relate to golf club structures
that include golf club heads, e.g., of the types described above (such as
wood-type golf clubs including drivers, fairway woods, wood-type hybrid
or utility clubs, etc.). In addition to club head structures of the types
described above, golf clubs according to at least some examples of this
invention may include one or more of: (a) a shaft member engaged with the
club head body (e.g., with the ball striking face member, the club head
body member, or both); (b) a grip member engaged with the shaft, and/or
(c) a handle member engaged with the club head and/or the shaft. These
additional elements of the golf club structure may be included in the
overall club structure in any desired manner without departing from this
invention, including in conventional manners that are known and used in
the art (e.g., the shaft may be engaged via an external hosel member, via
an internal hosel member, through an opening provided in the club head,
via adhesives, via mechanical connectors (e.g., threads, retaining
elements, etc.), etc.). Additionally, these additional elements of the
golf club structure may be made from conventional materials, in
conventional constructions, e.g., as are known and used in the art. If
desired, any desired part(s) of the club head body may be formed to
include a hosel element, or if desired, a hosel element of some type may
be engaged with one or more of the ball striking face member and/or the
body member (e.g., interior, exterior, or both, with respect to the
overall club head structure).

B. General Description of Example Methods of Making and/or Using Golf Club
Heads and Golf Clubs According to the Invention

[0023]Additional aspects of this invention relate to methods of making
golf club heads and/or golf club structures in accordance with this
invention (e.g., of the various types described above). Such methods may
include, for example: (a) providing a wood-type golf club head body
member (e.g., by manufacturing it, by assembling it, by obtaining it from
a third party source, etc.) including a ball striking face portion, a
crown portion, and a sole portion, wherein the club head body member, at
least in part, defines an interior chamber; and (b) engaging a weight
system with a perimeter portion of the club head body member at a
location rearward of the ball striking face portion, wherein the weight
system is engaged with the club head body member via a connection system
that extends from or through the weight system in a direction toward and
at least partially through the interior chamber and toward the ball
striking face portion. If desired, in accordance with at least some
example structures according to this invention, a damping member may be
provided within the interior chamber defined by the club head body
member. In at least some examples of this invention, the connection
system will extend from or through the weight system (and optionally
through the damping member) and engage (e.g., fasten to) a rear side of
the ball striking face portion.

[0024]The various parts of the club head structure may have any one and/or
combination of the various more specific parts, structural features,
and/or structural arrangements described above.

[0025]Golf clubs according to at least some examples of this invention may
be produced by engaging a shaft member and/or handle member with the club
head body (e.g., of the types described above). This may be accomplished
in any desired manner, including in conventional manners that are well
known and used in the art (e.g., via cements or adhesives, via mechanical
connectors, etc.). Additionally, if desired, a grip element may be
engaged with the shaft or handle member, e.g., in any desired manner,
including in manners that are well known and used in the art (e.g., via
cements or adhesives, via mechanical connectors, etc.). Golf club heads
and golf clubs in accordance with this invention may be used in
conventional ways as also are known in the art. Additionally, if desired,
the shaft member may be connected to the head and/or to the grip member
in releasable manners, as are known and used in the art.

[0026]Specific examples of the invention are described in more detail
below. The reader should understand that these specific examples are set
forth merely to illustrate examples of the invention, and they should not
be construed as limiting the invention.

C. Specific Examples of the Invention

[0027]FIGS. 1A and 1B generally illustrate an example golf club 100 and
golf club head 102 in accordance with this invention. Example golf club
and golf club head structures in accordance with this invention may
constitute "wood-type" golf clubs and golf club heads, e.g., club heads
typically used for drivers and fairway woods, as well as for "wood-type"
utility or hybrid clubs, or the like. Aspects of this invention, however,
also may be used in producing putters, chipping clubs, and/or other golf
club heads and/or golf club structures. More specific examples and
features of golf club heads and golf club structures according to
examples of this invention will be described in detail below in
conjunction with the example golf club head structures illustrated in
FIGS. 1A through 9.

[0028]FIGS. 1A and 1B generally illustrate a wood-type golf club 100 in
accordance with one example of this invention. The golf club 100 includes
a golf club head 102 having a multi-part construction (examples of which
will be described in more detail below) and a hosel area 104 at which the
head 102 is connected to a shaft 106. The hosel area 104 may be of any
desired design and construction without departing from this invention
(e.g., an exteriorly extending hosel member 104, as shown; an internal
hosel member; etc.), including conventional designs and constructions as
are known and used in the art. Likewise, the shaft 106 may be made of any
desired materials and connected to the hosel area 104 (or directly to the
club head 102) in any desired manner, including conventional materials,
connected in conventional manners, as are known and used in the art. As
some more specific examples, if desired, the shaft 106 may be made from
steel, aluminum, or other metal or metal alloy materials; graphite based
materials; composite materials; polymeric materials; etc. The shaft 106
may be connected to the hosel area 104 and/or directly to the club head
102 via cements or adhesives, via mechanical connection systems, and the
like. If desired, the shaft 106 may be connected to the hosel area 104 or
to the club head 102 by a releasable mechanical or adhesive connection
that easily allows the club head 102 and shaft 106 to be separated from
one another (and optionally thereafter engaged with a different head or
shaft).

[0029]A grip member 108 or other handle element may be provided on and/or
integrally formed with the shaft 106. Any desired materials may be used
for the grip member 108, such as rubber based materials (synthetic or
natural); polymer based materials (including cord or other fabric or
textile containing polymers); leather; cork; etc. The grip member 108 or
other handle element may be engaged with or formed as part of the shaft
106 in any desired manner without departing from this invention,
including through the use of adhesives or cements, mechanical connectors
(e.g., threaded connections, releasable mechanical connections, etc.), or
the like. In at least some example structures according to this
invention, the grip member 108 will be made of conventional materials as
are known and used in the art, and it will be attached to the shaft
member 106 in conventional manners as are known and used in the art.

[0030]The club head 102 may be made from any desired materials, numbers of
parts, and/or constructions without departing from this invention. In
this illustrated example, the club head 102 includes a ball striking face
member 110 engaged with a club head body member 112. A weight system 114
is engaged with the club head body member 112. In this illustrated
example, the weight system 114 comprises a single weight member that
extends along a portion of the rear periphery of the club head body
member 112. The weight system 114 may take on a variety of different
forms, as will be described in more detail below in conjunction with
other illustrated example structures according to this invention.

[0031]The ball striking face member 110 of this example structure is a
multi-piece construction. While it may take on a variety of different
forms, sizes, shapes, and/or materials, in this illustrated example, the
ball striking face member 110 includes a ball striking face portion 110a
engaged with a cup face element 110b (e.g., by welding or other fusing
technique) that includes a face perimeter portion 110c and a return
portion 110d. The ball striking face member 110 may be made from
conventional materials as are known and used in the art, such as steel,
titanium alloys, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1A, the ball striking
face member 110 may form at least a portion of the hosel member 104 (if
any), or the hosel member 104 may be made in other manners, including in
conventional manners as are known and used in the art.

[0032]FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate one example of a process for
manufacturing or assembling a golf club head in accordance with this
invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, this example procedure begins with a cup
type club head face member 200 that includes a ball striking face portion
202, a face perimeter portion 204, and a return portion 206 that, in this
example structure, extends rearward from the face perimeter portion 204
around the entire periphery of the face perimeter portion 204. Any
desired face member structures or constructions may be used without
departing from this invention. For example, the return portion 206 may be
divided into individual or discrete segments; the return portion 206 may
be provided around only a portion of perimeter portion 204; the return
portion 206 may have different lengths in a direction rearward from the
perimeter portion 204 (e.g., the return portion along the sole portion of
the club head may be longer or shorter than the return portion along the
crown portion of the club head, etc.); the return portion 204 may be
omitted (and the club head body portions (as will be described in more
detail below) may directly engaged the face perimeter portion or may be
integrally formed with the face member; etc. Also, in this illustrated
example face member structure 200, a hosel member 208 (for receiving
shaft) 210 extends from the face member 200 (although other hosel
constructions are possible without departing from this invention,
including hosel-less and/or internal hosel structures).

[0033]The club head structure further includes a weight system provided
along at least a portion of its rear periphery. In this illustrated
example structure, the weight system includes a single weight element 220
that extends along and forms an exterior most surface of the club head
structure. The weight element 220 may be made, in whole or in part, from
any desired material, such as heavy metal or metal alloy materials (e.g.,
lead or tungsten, alloys of lead or tungsten, steel or other alloys with
lead or tungsten contained therein and/or with lead or tungsten
containing inserts, etc.), weight containing polymeric materials (e.g.,
lead or tungsten doped or containing plastics), etc. The weight element
220 also may include a conventional club head body member (e.g., made
from conventional materials) with separate weight elements engaged
therewith. In addition to extending along the rear periphery, this
illustrated example weight element 220 also extends along the exterior
toe and heel sides of the club head structure. If desired, rather than
leaving a gap between its ends and the face member 200, the ends of the
weight element 220 may extend up to and optionally engage the toe and
heel edges of the face member 200 (e.g. engage the return portion 206, if
any). While shown exterior in this example structure, if desired, in some
example structures according to this invention, the weight system 220 may
be located within an interior chamber defined by the overall club head
body.

[0034]Weight systems in accordance with the invention may have other
arrangements without departing from this invention. For example, if
desired, the weight system may directly engage the damping member such
that the weight system may be at least partially embedded in or contained
by the damping member, such that the weight system may fit into a slot,
groove, or chamber formed in the damping member, such that the weight
system may extend at least partially around a periphery of the damping
member (e.g., along the sides and/or rear periphery, etc.), etc. The
weight system also may be located inside or outside the interior chamber
defined by the club head body without departing from this invention.

[0035]FIG. 2A illustrates additional structures that may be included in
golf club heads according to examples of this invention. For example, as
shown in this figure, the rear surface of the club head face member 200
(and particularly, the rear surface of the ball striking face 202 in this
example) is equipped with support structures 212a and 212b. These support
structures 212a and 212b support the weight element 220 via a connection
system. In this illustrated example, the connection system constitutes
connection elements 222a and 222b that extend through the weight element
220 and toward the rear surface of the ball striking face 202. Connection
elements 222a and 222b engage support structures 212a and 212b,
respectively, to support the weight element 220 and engage it with the
face member 200, as shown in FIG. 2B.

[0036]Any desired types of connection between the connection elements 222a
and 222b with the support structures 212a and 212b, respectively, are
possible without departing from this invention. For example, support
structures 212a and 212b may include threads or other mechanical fastener
element structures that engage with corresponding threads or other
structures on connection elements 222a and 222b, respectively (the weight
element 220 may include openings through which screws or bolts
corresponding to connection elements 222a and 222b extend). As additional
examples, if desired, the connection elements and support structures may
be engaged via adhesives, cements, welding, soldering, brazing, or other
fusing techniques.

[0037]While a variety of connection locations and arrangements are
possible without departing from this invention, a direct connection
between the weight element 220 and the ball striking face 202 is
advantageous because this allows direct transfer of energy and momentum
from the movement of the weight element 220 to the ball striking face
202. Moreover, the connection elements 222a and 222b support the ball
striking face 202 and prevent excessive "trampoline" effect (and may
allow for control of the club head's coefficient of restitution, if
desired). The weight element 220 and the connection system may be
constructed to be angled somewhat with respect to the horizontal
direction (when the club head is in an address position) so that the
weight element is positioned low and the overall center of gravity of the
club head is located as far downward and rearward as possible (which
features typically assist golfers in getting the ball airborne).
Alternatively, if desired, the connection elements 222a and 222b may
extend in a generally horizontal direction when the club head is at its
ball address position.

[0038]The weight element 220 and the face member 200 of this illustrated
example further include ledge elements 220a and 200a, respectively. The
ledge elements 200a and 220a may be lowered somewhat with respect to the
remainder of the member. In this illustrated example structure, ledge
elements 200a and 220a provide a support area for receiving a crown
member 230, as shown in FIG. 2B. While shown doing so, the ledge elements
200a and/or 220a need not completely extend along the entire periphery of
the overall face member 200 and weight element 220. If desired, similar
ledge structures may be provided for supporting the sole member. Any
desired finishing procedures may be used to make the joint between the
weight member 220, the crown portion 230, and the face member 200 smooth,
including conventional securing and/or finishing techniques as are known
and used in the art.

[0039]The crown member 230 may be made from any desired material without
departing from this invention. Advantageously, in accordance with at
least some examples of this invention, the crown member 230 will be
constructed from a lightweight material, such as a lightweight metal
material (e.g., aluminum, titanium, magnesium, or beryllium, and/or
alloys including these metals), lightweight polymeric materials, carbon
fiber composite materials, and/or other materials, including materials
that are conventionally known and used in the art. The crown portion 230
may be fixed to the face member 200 and/or the weight element 220 in any
desired manner without departing from this invention, including through
the use of mechanical fasteners or connectors, adhesives, cements,
welding, brazing, soldering, or other fusing techniques, etc.

[0040]Although not shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a sole plate member similar
to crown portion 230 may be provided at the bottom surface of the overall
club head structure. The sole plate member may be made from a heavier,
denser material, such as a metal alloy material (e.g., steel, stainless
steel, titanium alloys, etc.). This feature further helps maintain the
center of gravity of the club head low. As another alternative, if
desired, the crown portion 230 and the sole portion may be formed as a
single part (and optionally may be attached to the face member 200 before
the weight element 220 is attached), from the same material. In such
structures, if desired, an additional sole plate (optionally of a denser
metal alloy material) may be attached to the one piece crown portion/sole
portion body member, e.g., to provide a lower center of gravity to the
overall club head structure. The final assembled club head structure may
appear like those illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0041]The weight element 220 need not be balanced and/or consistently
sized and shaped throughout its peripheral length. Rather, if desired,
the weight element 220 may be sized, shaped, and/or otherwise weighted so
as to provide more weight toward the heel end or the toe end and/or
toward the crown and/or sole portions of the overall club head structure.
These features may be used to selectively place the weight at strategic
locations in the club head structure, e.g., to affect ball flight or spin
characteristics, to bias the club for specific types of ball flights
(e.g., high flight bias, low flight bias, hook bias, draw bias, etc.), to
control moment of inertia and/or center of gravity characteristics,
and/or to help compensate for user's swing faults. As some more specific
examples, selectively providing or concentrating weight in weight element
220 low (toward the sole) in a club head structure generally will help
propel the ball on a higher trajectory and generally will help players
get a ball airborne; selectively providing or concentrating weight in
weight element 220 higher in a club head structure (e.g., more toward the
crown) generally will help propel the ball lower, with a more boring
flight path (which can help golf shots better cut through the wind);
selectively providing or concentrating weight in weight element 220
outward in each direction away from the club head's front toward the rear
will generally help increase the moment of inertia of the club head about
the vertical axis at the club head's center of gravity (e.g., Izz) (which
feature can help user's better propel the ball straight (e.g., this
feature reduces club head twisting during off center (heel or toe)
hits)); selectively providing or concentrating weight in weight element
220 toward the club head heel as opposed to its toe will help bias the
club to propel the ball with more of a "draw" flight path (i.e.,
right-to-left for right handed players) and can help chronic slicers
compensate for swing flaws (and thereby have a better chance of avoiding
a slice); and selectively providing or concentrating weight in weight
element 220 toward the club head toe as opposed to its heel will help
bias the club to propel the ball with more of a "fade" flight path (i.e.,
left-to-right for right handed players) and can help chronic hookers
compensate for swing flaws (and thereby have a better chance of avoiding
a hook). Multiple weight elements 220 of the same size and shape (and/or
portions of the overall weight element 220) may be made available (e.g.,
to users, club fitters, etc.) to allow users to quickly and easily
customize and bias the club for specific ball flight characteristics
(e.g., by removing connection elements 222a and 222b and exchanging one
weight element 220 (or a portion thereof) for another with different
characteristics).

[0042]FIG. 3 illustrates additional features that may be available in golf
club head structures in accordance with this invention. The assembly 300
of FIG. 3 is similar to that described above in conjunction with FIGS. 2A
and 2B, except the club head assembly 300 of this example further
includes a damping system 302 located within an interior chamber defined,
at least in part, by the face member 200, the weight element 220, and/or
the other parts of the club head body (not shown in FIG. 3). The damping
system 302 can help attenuate the overall vibrational response of the
club head experienced by a user when the club head is used to strike a
golf ball. Moreover, the damping system can alter the sound that emanates
from the club head during a ball strike. The assembly 300 of FIG. 3 may
include various other club head body elements, such as one or more of a
crown portion, a sole portion, an aft body element, or the like, without
departing from this invention.

[0043]The damping system 302 may have a wide variety of characteristics
without departing from this invention. In this illustrated example
structure, the damping system 302 includes two separate damping elements
302a and 302b that fit around the support structures 212a and 212b and/or
the connection elements 222a and 222b (support structures 212a and 212b
and connection elements 222a and 222b fit through openings 304 provided
in the damping elements 302a and 302b, in this example). Alternatively,
if desired, damping system 302 may be flexible enough so as to simply fit
or wrap around the support structures 212a and 212b and/or the connection
elements 222a and 222b. While the damping system 302 may take up any
desired portion of the volume of the interior chamber of the club head
structure without departing from this invention (and may have any desired
overall size(s) and/or shape(s)), in this illustrated example, the
damping elements 302a and 302b extend all or substantially all of the
distance between the weight element 220 and the rear surface of the ball
striking plate member 202.

[0044]The damping elements 302a and 302b may be made from a variety of
materials without departing from this invention. For example, if desired,
the damping elements 302a and 302b may be made from lightweight
polyurethane foam or other similar material. The damping elements 302a
and 302b optionally may be compressed between the weight element 220 (or
other portion of the club head body) and the face member 200 when the
connection system 222a and 222b is engaged with the support structures
212a and 212b. As another example, if desired, the damping element may be
injected into the interior chamber of the club head body after the club
head is assembled (e.g., as a polymer foam or other material), e.g.,
through the club head's hosel opening or other opening. Other suitable
materials for the damping system 302 include, but are not limited to,
textiles, rubbers, ethylvinylacetates, fluid filled bladders (such as air
bladders, etc.), and the like.

[0045]The club head face member, the body portions of the club head (e.g.,
the crown portion, the sole portion, intermediate body members (such as
U-shaped bands or ribbons of material extending from the toe to the heel
of the club and at least partially defining the sides and/or rear
perimeter of the club head), etc.), the weighting system, and/or the
connection system may have a wide variety of different sizes, shapes,
constructions, and/or properties without departing from this invention.
Various examples of these alternatives are illustrated in FIGS. 4 through
9. The reader should understand, however, that FIGS. 4 through 9 merely
provide various examples of alternative structures and/or arrangements of
parts in club head structures according to examples of this invention.
These figures should not be construed as limiting the invention.
Additionally, the reader should understand that the various structures
and/or arrangements of parts shown in FIGS. 1A through 9 may be used in
various different combinations and subcombinations without departing from
this invention.

[0046]Other arrangements of parts are possible without departing from this
invention. For example, if desired, the damping member(s) 302a and 302b
may include threads or other structures that allow the weight member 220
and/or the connection elements 222a and 222b to be directly secured
thereto without the need for the weight member 220 and/or the connection
elements 222a and 222b to directly engage the face member 200. As another
example, if desired, structures may be provided to allow the weight
member 220 and/or the damping member(s) 302 to be engaged with a portion
of the club head body other than (or in addition to) the face member 200,
such as to the crown portion, the sole portion, the aft body portion,
etc. Other constructions and/or arrangements of parts are possible
without departing from this invention.

[0047]FIG. 4 illustrates a club head arrangement 400 similar to that shown
in FIG. 3, except the damping system 402 differs from the damping system
302 of FIG. 3. More specifically, the damping system 402 of FIG. 4 is
made up of a single damping element 402a into which the support
structures 212a and 212b and/or the connection elements 222a and 222b
extend. While the remainder of this illustrated club head arrangement 400
of FIG. 4 is the same as that shown for FIG. 3 (and may include any of
the various options for the structure 300 described above with respect to
FIG. 3), the reader should understand that the damping system arrangement
of FIG. 4 may be applied to a wide variety of other club head
constructions without departing from this invention.

[0048]FIG. 5 illustrates another example club head structure 500 according
to this invention. The example club head structure 500 illustrated in
FIG. 5 is similar to that shown in FIG. 3, except, in this instance, the
weight system 520 differs from that shown in FIG. 3. While weight system
520 still constitutes a single weight element 522 that extends around
much of the toe, rear, and heel periphery of the club head structure and
still includes a ledge 520a for engaging a separate crown member, this
illustrated weight system 520 includes a sole member 524. The sole member
524 may be formed to attach to the return portion 206 of the face member
200 in this illustrated example. If desired, the sole member 524 also may
extend upward to form at least some portions of the heel and/or toe sides
or areas of the overall club head structure 500.

[0049]The sole member 524 may be included as part of the weight system 520
in any desired manner without departing from this invention. For example,
the sole member 524 may be integrally formed as part of the weight
element 522 as a unitary, one piece construction (e.g., during molding,
casting, forging, or other production process for the weight system 520).
As another example, if desired, the sole member 524 may be separately
formed from the weight element 522 and then attached thereto at an
appropriate time in the weight system and/or club construction process.
The sole member 524 and weight element 522 may be engaged with one
another in any desired manner without departing from this invention,
including by mechanical fasteners or connectors, adhesives, cements,
welding, soldering, brazing, other fusing techniques, or the like,
including in conventional manners as are known and used in the art. Also,
the sole member 524 may be made from the same or different materials from
that of the weight element 522 without departing from this invention.

[0050]Another example club head structure 600 in accordance with this
invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. The example structure 600 shown in
FIG. 6 is similar to those shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, except with respect to
the sole member. The sole member 602 of the structure 600 illustrated in
FIG. 6 is formed as part of the face member 200. The sole member 602 may
be formed to attach to the weighting system 220 in this illustrated
example. If desired, the sole member 602 also may extend upward to form
at least some portions of the heel and/or toe sides or areas of the
overall club head structure 600.

[0051]The sole member 602 may be included as part of the face member 200
in any desired manner without departing from this invention. For example,
the sole member 602 may be integrally formed as part of the face member
200 as a unitary, one piece construction (e.g., during molding, casting,
forging, or other production process for the face member 200, such as an
extension of the side and/or sole based return portion 206). As another
example, if desired, the sole member 602 may be separately formed from
the face member 200 and then attached thereto at an appropriate time in
the face member 200 and/or overall club construction process. The sole
member 602 and face member 200 may be engaged with one another in any
desired manner without departing from this invention, including by
mechanical fasteners or connectors, adhesives, cements, welding,
soldering, brazing, other fusing techniques, or the like, including in
conventional manners as are known and used in the art. Also, the sole
member 602 may be made from the same or different materials from that of
the face member 200 without departing from this invention.

[0052]FIG. 7 illustrates another example golf club head structure 700
according to this invention. This example structure 700 is similar to
that shown in FIG. 6, except the connection system differs. This
illustrated example includes several connection elements 702 that extend
through the interior chamber of the club head and engage corresponding
support structures 704 provided on a rear surface of the ball striking
face 202. Of course, any desired number of connection elements 702 and
corresponding support structures 704 may be provided without departing
from this invention. Additionally, the connection elements 702 may be
arranged to extend in any desired direction(s) without departing from
this invention and may be arranged at any desired positions with respect
to the weight member 220 without departing from this invention (e.g.,
some connection elements 704 may engage the weight member 220 at a higher
position than others, with respect to the club head body member oriented
at its ball address position). If desired, the connection elements 702
may be made from different masses, e.g., to allow the user to "fine tune"
the club head's weight distribution (e.g., to make the club head slightly
heavier in the heel, toe, upper, and/or lower regions, to make the club
head slightly heavier in the forward or rearward directions, etc.).

[0053]Also, in this illustrated example structure 700, the damping member
710 includes multiple independent damping elements 712a and 712b, each of
which accommodates multiple connection elements 702 and multiple support
elements 704. Of course, many variations in the damping member structure
710 and its relationship with the club head body, the connection system,
and/or the weighting system are possible without departing from this
invention, including, for example, one or more of the variations
described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0054]Another example club head structure 800 is illustrated in FIG. 8.
The club head structure 800 of FIG. 8 is similar to that of FIG. 7,
except the weight system 820 differs. In this example structure 800, the
weight system 820 comprises multiple independent weight elements 822a and
822b. The independent weight elements 822a and 822b extend around at
least a portion of the rear peripheral surface (exterior surface in this
example structure 800) of the club head structure 800. If desired, the
weight elements 822a and 822b may contact one another at the center back
location, or they may be separated from one another by a space and/or by
a structural element of the club head body. Likewise, the opposite
(front) ends of weight elements 822a and 822b may contact and/or connect
to the face member 200, or they may remain separated therefrom by a space
and/or by a structural element of the club head body. The weight elements
822a and 822b may include a ledge element 824a and 824b, respectively,
for engaging a crown portion, a sole portion, or other portion of the
club head body member.

[0055]The weight elements 822a and 822b may be the same, mirror images, or
different from one another without departing from this invention. In some
example structures, the heel weight element 822b may be different from
the toe weight element 822a, e.g., in size, weight, structure, etc., to
allow the club head to be biased for specific ball flight conditions, as
described above.

[0056]FIG. 9 illustrates a club head structure 900 similar to that of FIG.
8, but in this structure the damping system 910 constitutes a single
damping element 912, as opposed to the multipart damping system 710 shown
in FIG. 8. This single damping element 912 may be compressed within an
interior chamber defined by the club head body, between the rear surface
of the ball striking face 202 and the rear portion of the club head body
and/or the weight elements 822a and 822b. This single damping element 912
also engages all of the connection system elements 702 and the
corresponding support elements 704. Of course, any desired arrangement of
connection system elements and support elements may be provided without
departing from this invention. Also, if desired, the damping system may
be injected into the interior of the club head body (e.g., through the
hosel opening 208 or another opening) after the club head body is
assembled.

[0057]If desired, one or more weight elements making up a portion of the
weighting system in various example structure according to this invention
may be mounted in weight ports provided in or on an exterior surface of
the golf club head body member, optionally in a removable manner (e.g.,
using threaded connection elements that engage threaded support elements
provided at or near the rear face of the ball striking face). In this
manner, users, club fitters, or the like can freely select the weights
(optionally of different masses) to place at desired locations on the
club head to better fit the club head's weighting characteristics to the
user's swing and/or desired ball flight characteristics). Other weighting
techniques (e.g., permanently mounted weight elements, movable weight
elements, and/or removable weight elements) may be used, individually or
in combination, without departing from this invention, including
conventional weighting techniques and structures as are known and used in
the art. If desired, the connection elements (e.g., 222a, 222b, and 702)
may serve as at least a portion of the weighting system.

[0058]Features of this invention may be used for producing a wide variety
of wood-type golf club head structures. While wood type hybrid club
structures generally have been described above in detail and illustrated
in the attached drawings, other types of club head structures that may be
produced in accordance with at least some examples of this invention
include: drivers, fairway woods (e.g., 2 through 13 woods), putters,
chipping type clubs, and the like.

[0059]The driver or other club heads may have any size and/or dimensional
characteristics without departing from this invention, including
conventional size and/or dimensional characteristics for wood-type and
other golf clubs and golf club heads as are known and used in the art.
When used to make driver or other wood type golf club structures, golf
club heads in accordance with at least some examples of this invention
may have an overall club head breadth B dimension (maximum front face to
rear dimension) of at least 4.2 inches, at least 4.4 inches, at least 4.5
inches, at least 4.6 inches, or even or at least 4.8 inches. Club head
body structures in accordance with this invention further may have an
overall club head length dimension L (maximum heel to toe dimension) of
at least 4.5 inches, at least 4.7 inches, or even at least 4.8 inches.
The club head shape and/or structure may be controlled such that the
overall club head body size is 500 cm3 or less, 470 cm3 or
less, or even 460 cm3 or less. In at least some examples, the
overall club head body size or volume will be at least 350 cc, at least
400 cc, at least 420 cc, or even at least 450 cc. Loft angles for drivers
may range, for example, from 6.5° to 16.0°. Such clubs may
have a conventional "pear-like" overall shape, a more modern "square" or
"rectangular" shape, or any other desired shape.

[0060]When used in producing hybrid type golf clubs, the clubs also may
have any desired sizes and/or dimensional characteristics, including
conventional size and/or dimensional characteristics as are known and
used in the art. Typical loft angles for hybrid type clubs in accordance
with at least some examples of this invention will range from 15°
to 30°; typical lie angles will range from 55° to
65°; and typical overall club lengths will range from 36 to 42
inches, although other dimensions are possible without departing from
this invention. Such clubs may have a conventional "pear-like" overall
shape, a more modern "square" or "rectangular" shape, or any other
desired shape.

[0061]Many modifications to the overall club head structures and/or the
overall golf club structures may be made without departing from this
invention. For example, many modifications may be made to the part or
parts making up the club head structure, to the materials used in making
the club head structure, to the manner in which the club head structure
is joined together, etc. Also, many modifications may be made to the
thickness, weight, shape, size, and/or other physical characteristics of
the part or parts making up the overall golf club structure, etc.

CONCLUSION

[0062]While the invention has been described in detail in terms of
specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the
invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are
numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and
methods. Thus, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed
broadly as set forth in the appended claims.